The heaps of metal plates and barbells packed into The Factory make the gym resemble a steel mill, more than a health club. Its members stack their plates high and churn out reps like machines. That is why for over 30 years The Factory has been living up to its name, producing professional bodybuilders, powerlifters and athletes in Louisville, Kentucky.
“We’ve got two or three world record holders in powerlifting here, both male and female,” said Brian Brooks, the co-owner of The Factory. “We’ve got three to four pro bodybuilders that train in here, and we’ve got pro athletes that train here.”
Brooks feels very strongly about the athletic focus of his members. As a former player in the NFL for both the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers, he knows what it takes to be a professional athlete. He believes his gym is the only one in the area to provide exactly what these competitive athletes need to succeed.
“We are the polar opposite of everybody else,” said Brooks. “If you want to use chalk, you can come in and use chalk. If you want to deadlift, you can come in and deadlift. It’s not your typical gym.”
Brooks said that this atmosphere can intimidate some new members, but he doesn’t think it should. He said the fact that a new member could be working out next to a professional bodybuilder, who is working out next to a world record-holding powerlifter, should excite and inspire members to work harder.
Contrary to what many might think, Brooks explained all of the members are very welcoming and open to new members, often helping them with their workouts and showing them the ropes. The community is also fiercely loyal to the gym.
“We’re just an old-school gym,” continued Brooks. “It sounds corny, but the atmosphere can be similar to Cheers. We have 2,000 members and we know every single one of them on a first-name basis. This gym has the closest-knit community in the city by a mile.”
Recently, The Factory moved to a new location and Brooks said they didn’t lose a single member during the long moving process. He believes members are dedicated to their gym because of the atmosphere and the community, but also because of the attention to detail and customer service he and his staff provide.
Brooks said you can always find an owner to talk to and he still trains members himself. Unlike some gyms who have all-purpose trainers for everyone, The Factory has specific trainers for each members’ needs. If they want to be a bodybuilder, a powerlifter or even a competitive athlete, they have a trainer who can help with that.
As a result, it’s no wonder The Factory produces as many professional athletes as it does.
By Ethan Smith
